History

The Queen’s Service Medal of New Zealand was established by Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of New Zealand by Royal Warrant on March 13, 1975. The Medal was created to recognise valuable voluntary community service and meritorious civil service. The Medal is reserved for civilians only and is awarded in the name of the Queen of New Zealand. The Queen's Service Medal also has an associated Order (The Queen's Service Order).

The Queen’s Service Medal may be awarded to New Zealand citizens, while foreigners or citizens of Commonwealth nations may be awarded an Honorary Medal. Recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal letters QSM.

There are three versions of the Queen’s Service Medal. The first two versions were awarded from 1975-2007 when the Medal was awarded to recognise public or community service. They feature inscriptions in English. The current version no longer specifies the type of service rendered by the member and features both an English and Maori inscription on the reverse. The initials and full name of the appointee are engraved on the rim. It is worn by men on a neck ribbon and by women on a bow.